RELIGION AND
POLITICS
India is a multi –religious state and the people
having faith in Hinduism, Islam, sikkism,
Christianity, Buddhism, Zoroosterism etc live in it.
In India Constitution (Art25 to Art28) the peoplpe
are granted the right to religious freedom and as a
result of this they are free to adopt, profess,
practise and propogate their religion.
MEANING OF COMMUNALISM
Communalism is that narrow feeling under whose influence
any religious community begins to neglect the interests of
the other communities and nation for the fulfillment of its
own political, economic and social selfish interests. It
considers its religion the best and condemns religions of the
others.
Factors responsible for the growth of communalism
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British policy of divide and Rule
Mistrust among the people of different religion
Religious fanaticism
Communal Political organisations
Economic backwardness of Muslims
Religious orthodoxy among Muslims
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Hindu Extremism
Role of Pakistan
Government Inertia
Political Leaders and Communalism
Government’s policy of Appeasment
Sense of Insecurity among Minorities
Impact of Religion on Politics in
India
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Development of Alienation
Development of religion-based Politics
Formation of Communal Political Parties
Formation of Communal Pressure Group
Development of Intolerance
Elections and Communalism
SUGGESTIONS TO MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF COMMINALISM
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Ban on the formation of religion based
Political Parties
Code of conduct for Political Parties
To develop good will among all religions
Need to improve the social and economic
condition of the people
Vigilance on the part of Government
Protection of the interests of Minorities
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State’s participation in religious Festivals
Effects of Communalism on Policy-making
High appointments and Religion
Policy of appeasements of Minorities
Growth of Majority Communalism
Religion and Language
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Right type of education
Positive role of religious leaders
Establishments of Peace Councils in States
Constitutional recognition of Minority
Commission
Development of value based Politics
Establishment of Special Courts
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Special security forces to deal with Communal
Distrubances
Development of Nationalistic Feelings
To strengthen Securalism
To separate religion from Politics
Securalism of text Books
References
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Badyal, J.S. , “Indian Government and Politics”, Raj Publishers, Jalandhar ,2012.
kothari, Rajni, “Politics in India”,Sagan Publishers, 1982
Johri, J.C., “Indian Government and Politics”,Vishal Publications, 1976.
.Fadia, B.L, “Indian Government and Politics”, sahitya Bhawan Publications, 1999.
Austin, G. , “Working a Democratic Constitution : A History of the Indian Experience, New
Delhi,
Oxford University Press, 1999.
. Basu, D.D , “ An Introduction to the Constitution of India, New Delhi, Prentice Hall, 1994.
. Bhambri, C.P, “ The Indian State Fifty Years, New Delhi, Shipra, 1997.
Brass, P. , “ Politics of India Since Independence”, Hyderabad, Orient Longman, 1990.